A portable S-band antenna was erected by the astronauts of Apollo 12 and Apollo 14 during their intial EVA. Stowed in a special compartment on the Lunar Module's descent stage, the large 3 meter unfurlable dish on a tripod allowed for the transmssion of large amounts of data as well as color TV images to the various Apollo tracking stations on Earth.
This antenna was used by the astronauts for training. Later, it was included as part of a lunar surface display at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) along with ALSEP subpackage 2. This training equipment was transferred by NASA to the Museum in 1976, but remained on loan to KSC until 2000.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
EQUIPMENT-Lunar
Manufacturer
Bendix Aerospace Systems
Dimensions
Antenna open: Height (adjustable) 90" x Diamenter 10' 3"
Materials
Metal
Inventory Number
A19750024001
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA, Johnson Space Center.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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